(Ephesians 4:17-5:2)
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord,
that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility
of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their
understanding and separated from the life of God because of the
ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given
themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of
impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way.
21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in
accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were
taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your
old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and
to put on the new self, created to be like God in true
righteousness and holiness.
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and
speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one
body. 26“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun
go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give
the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must
steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his
own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your
mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according
to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And
do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed
for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness,
rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of
malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5:1
Be imitators of God,
therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of
love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a
fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
